Lissa_S

Great!!! So Brunch at Surfers on the 5 th does anyone have a suggestion of where???

Hi all- I will be visiting the Gold Coast on the October long weekend.

I would love to catch up with everyone who can make it! I was thinking maybe we could meet for Breakfast/ Brunch on Saturday October 5?

Anyone able to attend???

Happy surgiversary! Congratulations on your journey. You are amazing and inspiring to us all.

Thanks K8ee That's very kind!

Wow Liss!!!! Happy anniversary!!! U have made me believe I can do this. Ur such an inspiring person. Well done on ur weightloss and getting ur life back. U look so different. I bet people who used to know u would just walk right passed u and not realise it's u. Keep up the great work

It's funny actually, that is exactly what happens. People have no idea who I am at first and then their reactions are hilarious Thanks for your kind words and yes, you WILL succeed just stick to the plan and don't give up. I've really had to learn (am still learning actually) to take a long term view about this whole weight loss thing and try to be more patient. I have to remember it took me a lifetime to get in the state I was in, I now need the rest of my life to continue to keep me from going back there! Seems a fair trade off though when you consider the amazing benefits

Lissa, you are my hero!

Awww thanks That's lovely!

Happy Sleeversary to me I can't believe that it has been 12 months since I had the surgery. For those of you who don't know me (for which there would be few on this thread) here are my stats: Starting weight was 173kg and my current weight is 87kg. Before surgery I hadn't slept lying down in a bed (comfortably) in over 7 years. I had chronic asthma, everything hurt all of the time (although I denied it back then) and it was just a struggle to move around.

I had the surgery on September 3 2012. Things went badly. I got a leak. It took several surgeries and many months in ICU/ Surgical Ward before I could get the all clear to leave. That was November 2012. I didn't go back to work full time until the end of January 2013.

Since then, well heck, things have just been getting better and better. The weight loss has been amazing. I've lost 86 kg - so tantalisingly close to half way lol. No fudging though - pesky 0.5kg The NSV's have been even better - the CLOTHES, shoes, movement, I am a "runner" now (on week 3 of the Couch to 5 K and am running in a 5K obstacle course at the end of the year), energy, clarity in thinking, enjoyment in life, exciting opportunities, flying without the embarrassment of asking for an extension seat belt, people looking you in the eye, not being "invisible" anymore, shop assistants are helpful and attentive, men FLIRT (okay, so maybe I do too - just a little), I've had a significant promotion, looking to travel OS next year, am planning for a future THAT I WANT not just settling for what I think I can have.

It has been a truly amazing journey. I love you all - you have become friends to me even though (with the exception of Kelli) I've never met you in person. You've understood my struggles and triumphs in ways that my family and friends here struggle to do. I can't thank you all enough for your kindness, encouragement and support. And I promise that I WILL get around to meeting you **Wow, hope that doesn't sound stalker-ish...Deano, you're the copper - is that a bit creepy lol**. Before I finish my rambling post, here are some comparison shots that I put together. Thank you all for sharing my journey and helping me out so profoundly along the way. Much love to you all! Cheers, Liss

That's great' date=' Lissa! I just did W7D1! Its hard but I feel great when I'm done.[/quote']

Wow Misty that's great!! Congrats!!

I think we are all different- I average between. 500-600 cal per day and I don't feel dizzy. I am even running now and find I don't get dizzy like I feared I would

Starting week 3 of couch to 5K and I LOVE it!!! Plus it's got the weight moving again- lost 2 kg last week!! I hope it keeps up so I can be down to 80kg by my 12 month appointment with Dr Silverman next month!!!

Hi all! 19 days til my op! So exciting! But got a little disheartened when I visited my new dietician on Tuesday (I moved so had to find a new one) and was told that my goal to get to 80kg was a bit optimistic I'm currently around 145kg and 174cm tall. She said that from data taken from patients shows that I'm likely to get to 95kg.

Anyone out there lost big numbers? I totally want to prove her wrong but am secretly now worried I can't make 80kg

Please make me feel better lol

Donna xo

PS love reading about everyone's journey on this thread!

Hi Donna- I was 173kg at surgery on 4 September last year. I am now 89 kg- so a loss of 84 kg in (almost) 12 months. My dr had a goal for me of 93 kg and she thought it would take 18 months I see her in four weeks so she should get a nice surprise. I plan to lose another 10 kg and then see how I feel but would like to get to 73-75 kg in the end if I can but will let my body dictate that a little and see where I am comfortable hope that helps!! Cheers Liss

Hey aussiegirl. I'm definitely not ready yet either but I hope I will be!

I am not there yet either but am in training- although I didn't know it at the time I am trying to rope in some mates to do it too - it sounds like a blast!

I know. I live in Vic but I think I would fly up there for the race because its not held at all here. If you google it there's a video from the same event in America.

When is it K8ee?

Scotty- wow you look amazing!! Totally rocking Your sleeve!!

Is anyone on the Gold Coast going to do the Run for your lives marathon? It sounds so cool.

It's a 5km obstacle course while you get chased by zombies!!

If you compete you can opt to be a runner or a zombie. Lol!

OMG that sounds like so much fun

Ahh so my big day has finally arrived. I've been awake since 2am' date=' the nerves have definitely kicked in.[/quote']

Will be thinking of you today!!! See you on the sleeved side!

Look at you two hotties ❤❤❤

Lol hope I can catch up with you, Kelli and the other Brissy Sleevers in October!!

Wow you go away for 3 days and it gets busy in here.

I am on the flip side of the plastic surgery.

Had a rough time of it. Ended up having to go back in for emergency surgery as I had slow bleeder and lost 4ltres of blood' date=' needed 4 blood transfusions. Spent the second night in the ICU.

My arms are feeling like they have done a hard work out and a sore bloated.

My back and arms are aching but not taking too many painkillers. Didn't need the muscle tightening which is probably helping me feel better....

[/quote']

OMG that is awful so sorry to hear that- are you feeling better? And are you home or still in hospital? Thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery!!!

My own little sleeve victory this week - running. Not the couch to 5k type' date=' just running for the joy of chasing the dogs at the dog park. They and I thought it a hoot!

And then on Saturday at my son's end of season soccer semi-final, the goalie took a nasty boot to the face and blood went everywhere. As team manager I was able to sprint (well, my version of sprint) down the pitch and stem the flow with a tea towel, holler for time out and some medical care. The lad is a trooper and despite breaking the cartilage in his nose wanted to play on (though we didn't let him), and I was able to provide him with care and support in real team manager style. Last year I couldn't have run like that, and what I would have done would have left me breathless and speechless. It felt soooo good to be able to do what I should be able to do.

Now I might even give Lissa a "run for her money", so to speak, in the couch to 5k. Which of the apps are you using Lissa?[/quote']

That is brilliant Susan!!! It's actually called Couch to 5k and it's a great app! The other thing you can do to start with is just alternate a walk/ jog from lamp post to lamp post that's what I did to start with!! Once you can do that easily then run two lamp posts and walk one etc- before you know it you will be running!!

Hey all finished week 1 of the couch to 5k app and I am feeling great!!

I know Liisa has posted about this before but I wanted to share my new little enjoyments!

This Friday I went on a plane and sat in one seat' date=' had plenty of room between my and the tray table. That was my first joy! Then we went to Movie world which I hadn't been to since January. Back then I was getting knocked back on rides or was squeezed Into the ride (extremely humiliating). Every ride I went on was a perfect fit, no awkward moments and I thoroughly enjoyed the day!

So even though I have been in a 7 week stall I definitely have lost Inches![/quote']

Isn't it a great feeling!! Congrats!!

7.15am it all starts again...

Good luck Aussiegirl!! Will be thinking of you!!

Well done Misty!!

I agree with Misty and Kelli your body needs to go through a period of adjustment. It's super hard (I still struggle with this heaps) but try to take a long term view of the process and on 3 months you'll be amazed by what you have achieved!!

Definitely a keeper The saddest thing is that he bats for the other team but is the closest thing I have found to a "soul mate"

Sigh- it's always the way isn't it! But at least you have a friend for life and he sounds amazing

Hi guys started the couch to 5km app today! Feeling great! It wasn't too bad actually- lots easier than the first time I tried to do it going to try to run Four times a week and drop the yoga back to 3 days to see if that helps to drop this last 10kg

Happy Sunday guys !!

Kelli and Liss - It was great that you could both catch up. Wish I was there as it would have been great fun to meet you both and swap our life stories..maybe when you are both in Sydney!

Absolutely Sue!!! That would be great!!